The Rockliff Liberal Government has had since November to find an alternative provider to take over the East Devonport Medical Centre.
The impending closure of this important health service, which assists more than 6000 community members, will place further strain on a health system already buckling under pressure.
There will be a need for more ambulance services and increased pressure on the Mersey Community Hospital Emergency Department if a solution is not found to keep the East Devonport Medical Centre open.
There have been significant numbers of unfilled paramedic shifts on the North-West Coast over the New Year period and latest dashboard data reveals the true extent of pressure on our emergency departments.
Tasmania’s Health Minister Guy Barnett is responsible for the state’s ambulance service and emergency departments but continues to deflect responsibility to his federal government colleagues.
The community meeting on Thursday needs to be more than a talk fest – they want action, not words.
The East Devonport community deserves to have a government that is focused on delivering solutions and that is what a Labor Government would do.
The community can show its support by signing Labor’s petition to save the East Devonport Medical Centre.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing
